Why is chromium plating only offered on a time and materials basis?
Chromium plating sometimes discolors the skimmer and occasionally cracks the existing skimmer. Beam is not interested in absorbing the loss of good skimmers if damaged or cosmetically discolored. We are using (oxygen/fluorines/chlorines/etc.) in a molecular beam experiment. Will this present a problem and do you have any suggestions for a solution. We offer two suggestions. First, Beam can produce double thick skimmers and add additional plating for resistance against corrosive gases. Second, the user should test the planned gas with a piece of nickel or copper sheet to see whether corrosion will be a problem under the experimental conditions.
